Boro have been closely watching Beckford, who has scored 69 goals in the last two-and-a-half seasons, and they are set to beat any Newcastle Utd offer.
The former Wealdstone striker, whose contract expires at the end of the season, fell out publicly with Simon Grayson by refusing to shake the Leeds manager’s hand when being substituted 15 minutes from the end against Southampton at the weekend.
Beckford, 26, will be disciplined by Leeds, with Grayson saying the matter is to be dealt with internally.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will only be given coppers to spend in the January transfer window as Mike Ashley tightens the purse strings, leaving the road open for a Boro offer.